| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1643003 | Materials Letters | 2015 | 4 Pages |
•MgYNi4 is obtained by melting method in resistance furnace.•The 3D morphology of MgYNi4 single crystal is observed.•Close-packed plane observed in HRTEM image agrees well with structure model.•Formation mechanism of tetrahedral MgYNi4 is proposed.
A tetrahedral MgYNi4 phase is prepared by melting method, and then formation mechanism associated with three-dimensional (3D) morphology is proposed. The tetrahedral MgYNi4 crystal is enclosed by four closed-packed {111} planes, arising from the 4-fold rotoinversion symmetry of MgYNi4 structure. The secondary arms grow along <110> directions between four primary trunks. The {111} lamellas grow from secondary arms to face center and shape up a tetrahedral skeleton with hollows. As {111} lamellas grow, the skeleton can be filled up and the perfect tetrahedral MgYNi4 is formed.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
